He may not be the talk of the dinner table, but we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Frenchman Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. He’s the brainy chap who devoted his life’s work to invention and ultimately (well, with a little help from some Italian brainboxes a few years previous) took the world’s first ever [...]

Ok, yes – we are in love with our Summer Festivals. It’s a love that demands to be expressed through song – and not just any song either. Summer festivals had us a blast, but summer festivals happen so fast… So with sincerest apologies to Mr Travolta, Ms Newton John, assembled cast, musicians and writers [...]

Belfast, 31st of May, 1911. The keel of the Titanic has loomed over the city for over two years. Locals, who have woken, slept and lived under the shadow of the Ship of Dreams are about to witness fantasy become reality as the world’s most talked about ship slides into Belfast Lough and begins its [...]

‘Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle.’ Now, we’re not sure if the American inventor Ken Hakuta was referring to a holiday in Ireland when he coined this charming little phrase but it certainly gave us food for thought. You see, the last thing we want is for a [...]

Thought all you’d find on our plates is potatoes, meat and two veg? You’ll have a tasty time being proved wrong. Culinary traditions differ all over the island of Ireland, producing local delicacies and regional specialties you’ll be dying to sink your teeth into. From berry liqueur and specialty cheese, to craft beer and free-range [...]

We’re all familiar with the big brand Irish cream liqueurs on shop shelves. The velvety-smooth taste has been a winning addition to cocktails, cakes, mousses, and sauces since its invention in 1974. But what you might not know is that this Irish specialty is quite easy to make at home, according to guest blogger Allie [...]

As the Tall Ships Race prepares to dock in Waterford City again this June, guest blogger David Power recalls the tastes, sights and sounds as everything sea comes on land for a special four days. Now, it’s not every day that you stroll down your city’s promenade to see the place transformed into the set [...]

Looking over photos of the catwalk of the century that was the Royal Wedding, the flair of Irish design almost steals the show, from Treacy’s daring millinery to Costello’s feminine tailoring. As guest blogger Caroline Ferry discovers, the Royal Family and Irish style have been close-knit for quite a while… When the most sought-after wedding [...]

The crash of waves, the exhilaration of the climbing tides, the scenic surroundings; surf is well and truly up along Ireland’s coastline. Paul Rowley asks super surfer Stevie Burns about our beaches, breaks, and his favourite spots to catch a wave. Last November, the surf world put down its collection of colourful boards, sat up [...]

Café Paradiso is a Cork institution. Between gracefully winning awards, being listed as an ‘icon’ in the Bridgestone Restaurant Guide, and serving movie star Cillian Murphy when he’s in town, the restaurant produces some of the tastiest dishes in the city - a combination of the freshest ingredients from local suppliers, and innovative recipes from chef and owner [...]